Former Attorney Alex Murdaugh Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Money Laundering and Wire Fraud Charges

Former attorney Alex Murdaugh was arraigned Wednesday on federal money laundering and wire fraud charges for indictments saying he stole money from his clients. Murdaugh pleaded not guilty, but his lawyer said that might change soon.

State prosecutors have indicted Murdaugh on similar charges, saying he diverted money meant for clients and a wrongful death settlement for his family’s longtime housekeeper who fell at Murdaugh’s home to his own bank accounts.

Murdaugh’s lawyers said in a statement last week the former attorney has been cooperating with federal investigators, and they anticipated the latest charges would be filed.

Murdaugh is already serving a life sentence in a South Carolina state prison for killing his wife and son, and the details of the 22 financial charges aren’t new.

The case is ongoing and it is unclear what the outcome will be. It is also unclear if Murdaugh will plead guilty to the charges or if the case will go to trial. The federal government is expected to continue its investigation and the court proceedings will continue in the coming weeks.